AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2205, 4 June 1896, Page 15

AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL.

Bjdnet, May 31. With the exception of a fairly active inquiry on Westrslian account and orders for the forthcoming shearing season', the month closed very jfctll for the import markets. In brendstuffa the jNtkerg are etiU, working on ctmtractu made

early in the year. Something like a month will elapse before any change either in the volumo of business or in price is likely to occur. There is but little inquiry for San Francisco wheat, but stocks are concentrated in millers' hands. The arrival of the Miowera increased available a'ocks by 7800 sacks of flour and 7600 woks of wheat. Business could be done in New Zealand wheat, but holders' ideas are still above those of buyer*. The wool season is practically over. Returns prepared by the Railway department show that the wool tracked for shipment afc Sydney and Newcastle has decreased by 95,250 bales during the period from July to the end of May compared with the same period laot year. Melbourne, May 31. The holidays and' the near approach of the end of the month have further reduced the vo'>uuae-of business in tho import; raavkets to small dimensions. Holders of wheat oonthrae very firm, and the miliera are working on very limited stock*. Tho question of supply ia odmitttd to be very uncertain, and tho absence of any 1-urge lines offering seems to indicate that stocks are being reduced into the narrowest compass, The present condition of inactivity is likely to continue for a mouth or two, after which the actual position of the supply on hand ■will govern events. An interesting return of the export of butler during tho past seven yeaca shows- that the Government spent £19,800 for supervising the exporb of buttec, and over £10.000 was expended in freiztag, while £2800 represented experts' oxpenoes. The value of the butter exported during the seven years is set down at £3,146,000.